A/N: Since this is a short chapter I will post chapter 8, too.
Chapter 7
Inside the Fortress of Solitude, Kal-El had slept soundly for the first time in months. Outside the rising sun spread its golden rays across the barren white landscape. Sunlight poured through the window of Kal-El's bed chamber and caressed his unclothed body. Deep within he felt the sun's energy recharging his strength and power. He groaned, rolled over, rubbed his eyes, and looked up at the sloped ceiling. Today he would travel through space and retrieve the crystals stolen by Lex Luthor.
Fortunately, Lex had not taken all the crystals in Kal-El's home. It was bad enough Lex had stolen ten crystals from the crystal console and used one to create New Krypton. That left nine crystals for Kal-El to retrieve. More importantly, one of the nine was the precious father crystal used by Kal-El to communicate with his father Jor-El. Kal-El had greatly missed the ability to see and hear his father. There were many times in the last few months when he had needed his father's words and image to comfort him. The father crystal had to be retrieved.
A resolute Kal-El arose from his bed and donned his Superman suit. Mentally, he prepared for his journey. The trip to Krypton had taught him never to take anything for granted. Always be prepared.
Kal-El floated down to the empty crystal console on the first level and eyed it with great disappointment. He made a solemn vow, "I will return the crystals to their home. I will not let you down father."
A small square tank rested on the console and Superman picked it up. This very important item was an oxygen tank made of kryptium, one of the strongest metals on Krypton. The tank was powered by a small flat rectangular crystal attached to its side. As long as the crystal remained attached to the tank, the tank would produce oxygen. A long flexible tube protruded from the top of the tank. At the end of the tube was a small mask just big enough to cover the wearer's nose and mouth.
Even Superman needed air to survive. Superman estimated he could hold his breath for approximately thirty minutes, but this journey through space would last several hours, perhaps even days.
Slipping the tank over his head Superman positioned a strap over each shoulder. He adjusted the straps and tank until everything was comfortable. The tank was hidden beneath his cape. Bringing the mask to his face Superman placed it over his nose and mouth.
He looked up at the hole in the top of the Fortress. Simultaneously he bent slightly while lifting both arms, made fists, and propelled himself rapidly into the sky. Increasing his speed as he exited the Fortress he tuned his super-hearing toward space, listening for the crystals' signal.
His speed continued to increase and he broke through the sound barrier creating a sonic boom. Exiting the Earth's atmosphere, Superman headed toward the orbital path of Mars.